The recent coup d’état in Niger has raised concerns of potential added strain on food markets in Nigeria and other West African nations, warns the World Bank.
According to the global institution, the coup in Niger has placed an additional seven million people in the region at risk of severe food insecurity. This development occurs amid surging prices for commodities and staple foods, coupled with existing severe food insecurity affecting 3.3 million individuals during the lean season.
The World Bank issued this warning in its September ‘Food Security Update,’ stating, “The coup d’état in Niger might put additional pressure on West African food markets.”
The bank also noted that the economic and financial sanctions imposed on Niger by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) have had implications for the country. Specifically, food prices in Niger increased by as much as 21% in August, further exacerbating the challenging food security situation in the region.
